I had to make a case for the department having a dog. It was a lot of work, and it took a long time. I had to make presentations to the police chief and the town police commission about issues such as a police dog's role in law enforcement and liability questions.

I personally went out and talked to people in the community. There were individual donations, and I went to a few banks as well. One private donor gave me $25,000. Many people were very supportive. I got $40,000, but people can still make donations if they want.

He's settling in very well and we're getting along real good. I'm feeding him by hand just now and I'm keeping him in a separate crate when I'm not with him. He's a good people dog, very friendly and not at all temperamental.